Amelia RATUSHNIAK

RATUSHNIAK, Amelia January 26, 1921 - July 1, 2018 With profound sorrow in our hearts we announce the peaceful death of our mother on Sunday July 1, 2018 at the age of 97 years. Our young-at-heart mother was born on January 26, 1921, the eldest of 5 children, to Gregory Hrynchyshyn and Maria (nee Trach), on a farm near Mikado, SK. Our Mom's own mother died when she was only 13 but Mom lovingly remembered her for a lifetime. Her father married again and her half-sister Zoria was added to the family. Mom took a lot of responsibility for raising her younger brothers and sisters and her outstanding cooking, gardening, sewing and housekeeping skills as well as her role in the nurturing of others took root. Mom was married to Steven J. Ratushniak on July 23, 1938, and she joined him in keeping the General Store and Post Office in Amsterdam, SK, which was the village hub, until 1950 when they moved to Yorkton. Dad bought a partnership in York Beverages Bottling Plant, but sold it to his brother in 1956 and they moved on to Saskatoon. By then their family included three children: Leonard, Sandra and Andrew. Mom remained in Saskatoon for the rest of her life although our Dad left her (and us) much too soon due to an aggressive cancer in 1979. In 1962 Mom began a career in retail that was to reward her for many years and did not end until she was 70! Her patience, energy, dedication and friendliness earned her recognition while working at Reitman's and she felt acknowledged and appreciated there. Her work ethic, enthusiasm and cooperative spirit was also appreciated at Saints Peter and Paul Church Rectory where she worked part time for several years. Mom was extremely generous, sociable and spiritual. She loved her family above all else and was intensely proud of all of us, yet very humble. She had a close circle of friends and was an active and valued member of St Volodymyr's community and within Saints Peter and Paul Parish. All that knew her will miss her forever. She leaves her children: Fr. Len Ratushniak, Sandra Herbison (Robert), and Andrew and her much loved grandchildren: Jeremy (Krista), Kathleen, Marshall, Carmen (Scott), and Alanna and precious great-grandsons Louis and Sean. Mom will also be remembered by her brother, Orest Harris, sister-in-law Olga, and nieces and nephews: Terry Ratushniak (Debra), Sidney Ratushniak, Marianne Caine, Teresa Pidduck (Steve), Gordon Ratushniak, Ron Dutchak, Donna Regehr, Carrie Van Es-Van Amstel (Patrick), Bernice Wolowidnyk, Wayne Hrynchyshyn (Holly), and Marie Hrynchyshyn. Mom was predeceased by her husband Steve, her sister Grace, two brothers William (Bill), Edward who died in infancy, and her half-sister Zoria. Sincere thanks to John Lewchuk and to all of Mom's friends, mostly residing at St. Volodymyr's. With their friendship and support Mom was enabled to live a proudly independent life until her very recent stroke. The family also want to thank the kind and compassionate staff of the Neurology Unit at RUH and of the Transitional Care Unit at City Hospital for their care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Transitional Care Unit at Saskatoon City Hospital or to St. Volodymyr Village Corp. Prayers will be held on Thursday, July 5, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. from the Chapel of St. Volodymyr Villa, 3102 Louise Place, Saskatoon. The Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Friday, July 6, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. from Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1202 11th Street East, Saskatoon. Interment will take place in Woodlawn Catholic Cemetery. To share memories and condolences, visit www.parkfuneral.ca "Obituaries-Guestbook". Arrangements entrusted to Greg Lalach of Park Funeral Home. 306-244-2103.